Traverse City: 57th Annual Northwestern Michigan College Barbecue

Traverse City: For the fifth year in a row, this year’s community picnic will feature a drawing for two years general tuition to NMC. Anyone who buys a ticket is eligible to enter. The prize winner will be drawn from all entrants at 5 p.m. on Barbecue Day. The offer is good for 10 years and may be redeemed by anyone the winner chooses. Other ticket raffle prizes include gift certificates for Extended Education and College for Kids classes.

The late Gerald W. Oleson and his wife Frances, founders of Oleson’s Food Stores in Traverse City, started the annual fundraiser picnic in 1956. Oleson’s Food Stores continues to donate the food. About 9,000 people attend every year, raising $1.5 million for college programs and equipment over the years.

For the third year in a row, the Barbecue will feature compostable utensils and plates and composting of food waste, all part of an effort towards making the Barbecue a zero-waste event.

In addition to the traditional menu of buffalo steakettes, baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and ice cream, the schedule of events held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes: